Tag: handwriting

We’ve finally packed away the Christmas tree, eaten the last mince pie and already broken a few resolutions.

2017 – the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology – flew by, and seems to have re-generated into the Year of Young People quicker than Peter Capaldi turned into Jodie Whittaker.

On 30th December, 17, 000 torchbearers processed from Edinburgh city centre to Holyrood Park to spell out “#BRAW” herald the forthcoming #YOYP2018

In these still short, dark, dreich days of January, it can be hard to imagine anything being braw but there’s much to look forward to…

Routine

If you don’t like change, you’ll appreciate the return to normal opening hours, TV schedules, refuse collection and regular public transport timetables.

Keep Calm and Coory Doon

The cold weather is an excellent excuse for wearing big jumpers, watching old movies, curling up with a good book and getting snuggly on the sofa. If you’re looking for that ‘hygge’ feeling beyond your own home, we hear that Zanzibar in North Berwick has very good hot chocolate while the Tyninghame Smithy is the cosiest place in East Lothian and The Bothy at East Saltoun even supplies blankets!

Recycling old Christmas cards

Cards with glitter and/or foil can’t be recycled so why not send the front half of these to Women in Prison, Elmfield House, 5 Stockwell Mews, London SW9 9GX. Next December, female prisoners will be able to make cards for their children and families.

Sales

The only thing better than bagging a bargain in the January sales is bagging a local bargain so support local independent business such as Secret Boutique (formerly The Merry-Go-Round) in Gullane.

Prefer online shopping? Both Ardmoor country clothing and The Nordic Edit Scandinavian interiors are run by East Lothian based folk.

Dunbar-based cruised holiday business gocruiseandstay.com has a Buy One, Get One Half price deal on cruises booked between now and 5th March.

Unusual visitors

No, we’re not talking about the human variety, frankly, we’ve had enough of them over the festive period. Keep an eye out for snow buntings and waxwings and follow @birdinglothian for sightings.

The Sky at Night

January’s clear skies are great for stargazing and on the 31st you will be able to see the second full supermoon of the month.

Thank You Cards

Everyone loves receiving ‘real’ mail don’t they? This year, ditch the texts and emails and help bring back the lost art of handwritten thank you notes. If nothing else, it will be good practice for National Handwriting Day on 23rd January.

Do Good, Give Blood

According to Action For Happiness, our generosity is hard-wired to the reward mechanisms in our brains. When we give our time, energy and kindness to others it not only helps them, it’s also great for our wellbeing too.

They have produced a Happy New Year Calendar of suggested actions to help you be happier yourself – and bring more happiness to others too.